Pros and Cons of Child Behavior Checklists

Rules Are Clearly Marked and Not Disputable

• Kids are natural negotiators and questioners, and they can be adept at talking their way out of things they don't want to do. A behavior checklist helps you avoid this problem by succinctly spelling out expectations in writing. For example, if a checklist item reads "Keep dirty clothes off the floor," your future debate star won't be able to get out of picking up clothes by claiming he's already done that today -- because the rule requires that the floor remain free from dirty clothes on a continual basis. Checklists also help to keep kids on track because of the visual reminder they provide. At any point during the day your child can see what is expected of him and therefore can't shirk his responsibility by claiming to have forgotten.

Written Record Makes Consequences Enforceable

• A written and posted behavior log serves as a reminder of consequences earned. If your child has had her iPad taken away for a week, the start and end dates of the ban can be clearly marked so that everyone involved remembers. The checklist serves as evidence of prior rule adherence, making consequences easier to enforce, and removes any likelihood of dispute.

Checklists Can Be Unhealthy and Demoralizing

• Biological anthropologist Gwen Dewar, the creator of the website Parenting Science, cites the link between public shame and cortisol production, an excess of which can impair health. Chronic shame has been linked to pro-inflammatory cytokine activity, which suppresses immunity. Displaying your child's failure to follow the rules in front of other family members and visitors may be more demoralizing than motivating for him. This effect is exacerbated if he has an issue such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder and he struggles with impulsiveness. While a visible checklist helps with the forgetfulness ADHD kids often have, a public record of struggles with impulse control might result in embarrassment. Deb Leach, an assistant professor of special education at Winthrop University, points out that some children on the Autism spectrum internalize punitive consequences such as color charts and engage in negative self talk. Such children might be better served with verbal reminders or offers of assistance. While checklists can serve the needs of some children, certain populations are particularly sensitive to the negative impacts of their use.

Checklists Focus on Extrinsic Motivation Only

• Reward seeking behavior is less likely to persist once the reward is discontinued. If a child cleans her room to earn check marks or stickers and this external feedback system is removed, she has no incentive to continue her tidying work. If, on the other hand, she is expected to maintain a clean room and encounters negative consequences for not doing so (such as prohibition from leisure activities), she is more apt to adhere to the rule just to make her life easier and more fun. Children are more likely to learn about mutual support when taught to help their siblings through explanation of morals and two-way conversation than by focusing on earning check marks or stickers. While behavior checklists are easy for parents and achieve the desired results while in use, their long-term efficacy remains questionable.